INTRODUCTION
The re-organisation of National Agricultural Research Institutes in Nigeria in 1987, made NCRI to assume the national mandate for the genetic improvement of Beniseed. Since then, a lot of research activity has been carried out on the development of improved varieties and improved production systems of Beniseed in Nigeria.
This programme has been operating under the Oil seed division until 2011 when the divisions were scraped and new technical departments were created. The programme now operates under the Research operation department.
OBJECTIVES
- To develop varieties that is resistant/tolerant to biotic or abiotic stresses.
- To develop high yielding oil richedBeniseed varieties.
- To develop improved crop management techniques for high yield of Beniseed.
- Conducts market – oriented applied research and provides technical services to private sector and other stakeholder.
- To develop appropriate techniques for pest management.
ACTIVITIES OF THE PROGRAMME
- Genetic inprovement of Beniseed/Sesame
- Development of improved agronomic practices.
- Improved intergrated pest management.
- Training and workshops.
- Cosultancy services.
SOME BASIC ACHIVEMENTS.
- Development of seven(7) improved sesame varieties.
- Development of improved agronomic practices.
- Row planting system.
- Weed control and fertilizer application system.
- Harvesting and post harvesting technologies.
Names of NCRI Developed Improved Beniseed Varieties and their attributes.
| S/No | Names of Varieties | Original Names | Days to maturity | Seed colour | Seed size | Potential Yield/ha (Kg) | %oil content |
| 1 | NCRIBEN 01M | 530-6-1 | 102-115 | White | Medium | 600 -750kg | 45 |
| 2 | NCRIBEN 02M | Type 4 | 102-115 | Light Brown | Medium | 550 – 600kg | 45 |
| 3 | NCRIBEN 03L | Goza – 25 | 12-140 | white | Medium | 500 – 550kg | 45 |
| 4 | NCRIBEN 04E | Ex – Sudan | 90 – 95 | white | Medium | 1300kg | 50 |
| 5 | NCRIBEN 05E | Kenana 4 | 90 -100 | white | Medium | 1200kg | 44 |
| 6 | NCRIBEB 06E | 04E-550-G3-3 | 89-93 | Brown | Small | 2000kg | 56.53 |
| 7 | NCRIBEN 07E | 04E-550-G1-3 | 93-97 | White | Medium | 2300kg | 51.90 |
Beniseed Producing States in Nigeria
The producing states now include: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Kastina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, and Nasarawa states, others are Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, Ogoja in Cross Rivers, Ondo and northern parts of Edo, Ogun and Enugu states.